"The Podcast That Kicks Your Midlife Into Gear"

PODCASTERS FOR JUSTICE CAMPAIGN I stand with my sisters from the WOC (Women Of Color) Podcasters Community, lead by Danielle Desir and crafted by mighty change-maker Tangia Al-awaji Estrada. I join with other women, young and old, of every color, who have built engaged audiences that listen to our voices…

To hear the advice on how to “survive” or “make the best of” living under stay-at-home orders, I couldn’t help but notice the parallel between the COVID crisis and your run of the mill midlife crisis. In either case, the crisis is one of adapting to change, many changes. In…

Who’s Your Daddy? You spit in a tube and wait for answers. Chances are you end up with more questions. That is where Mary Eberle comes into the picture. A genetic scientist and former patent attorney, Mary can solve the mysteries by interpreting the raw genetic data. She can back…

Crone Time Seeing the symbols in nature, recognizing patterns in life’s events, these are some of the special gifts that older women find themselves mastering after 50. Cerridwen Fallingstar, 67, has been teaching her spiritual practice for over 40 years. We are just beginning to see our talents and gifts…

Processing our memories, fears, compulsions – all the fun stuff Author, speaker, and teacher Sue William Silverman settled in with me for a chat on the podcast to discuss her latest (and fabulous) book, How To Survive Death and Other Inconveniences. What a treat! This episode of the podcast is…

Episode overview: Today, I’m talking about questions. We take a deep dive into the questions we ask ourselves at 50 and why we are dogged by them. Take a DIY approach to midlife mentoring. My best advice is to focus on your questions. Why we seem to be looking for…

What did you give up for your kids? Did you willingly put yourself and your career in the back seat while raising kids? Of course you did. But to what extent? You may have fully committed to being a stay at home parent, or leaned in and pulled back as…

Dry eye is a real thing. I have been managing dry eye disease for over ten years. At times, I have been unable to read for pleasure and I frequently struggled to get my work done with blurry vision and extreme eye discomfort. My own experience with dry eye disease…

Rethinking Age and Beauty How do you feel when you see yourself in the mirror? Your face? Your hair? Your body? Do you love yourself? If you struggle to adore your aging physical self, Janis Wilkins has an important message for you. Meet Janis Wilkins, 64, fashion model A native…

This episode offers you military-grade assistance to help refresh your leadership skills in this time of COVID-19 chaos. Former Marine Corp Officer and Founder of Leadstar, Angie Morgan, and I talk about life under Michigan’s Lockdown. Our circumstances: Angie’s usually heavy travel schedule, filled with speaking at events and working…

During this stressful period of our new Coronavirus reality, I know that my listeners, GenXers and younger Boomers, are feeling the squeeze of that “sandwich generation” moniker we carry. We have elderly parents as well as teenagers and young adults looking to us for guidance as each of our families…

Social distancing creates an opportunity for connection This episode is releasing as the Coronavirus changes our lives and many of us are either self-quarantining or practicing varying degrees of social distancing. It is a very strange and stressful time. Rethinking everything, temporarily. While many of my favorite pieces of advice,…

The Backstory: Late last year I was contacted by Morey, with MarketWatch.com who was writing an article on men and women over 50 starting a new career at 50. Morey wanted to interview me to learn what I was observing as the most popular 2nd chapter jobs, how big of…

I love TED Talks. My guest presented on the TED stage at TEDx Wilmington Women in 2016. With over 2 million views of her talk: The Unstoppable Power of Letting Go, the world wanted more. Her “idea worth sharing” was inspired by her personal story of leaving a 12-year romantic…

What is a death doula? Much like a mother-to-be may hire a doula to provide her with mental, emotional, and physical support during childbirth, a death doula works alongside caregivers, hospice workers, and medical professionals to foster a supportive environment for the dying and those in their presence. In this…

Midlife is met with that nagging “Something isn’t right” feeling. In this solo episode, I help you to reduce the struggle of midlife. Yes, there is a real way to approach that nagging feeling. This episode was edited and uploaded while sitting in the passenger seat of our car, barreling…

Let’s cut to the chase: Happy matters IF you want to live a long, healthy life and make a positive impact on humanity. So, if you are thinking, “Yeah, that sounds attractive”, you are in the right place. Even if you are a nasty ass, I’m thinking you need to…

I dare you. Look back. Why look back when I’m not going there? My darling listener, there is simply no better way to move forward than to tidy up first. Like when going on a trip, don’t leave a sink full of dirty dishes behind. If the future is going…

Positive Aging: Create a vision for your 5th decade Positive aging requires a certain mindset. This episode is a lovely example of how one woman approached the “What do I do now?” question at 50 after she and her husband sold their nutraceutical business. He would continue to work with…

Time to look back and own up Owning up. Taking responsibility. Not casting blame. Taking charge of your life. Being an actual grown-up. Like so many truisms, we hear the words but may not truly consider or understand their meaning. An example would be, “At this age, I don’t care…

Feral at 50. A career or a calling? At 49, yogi and healer Jennifer Sokolov, answers to her calling not her career. Feral, untamed by the conventions of life, she shares her story of making a living without a traditional employer. Self-awareness is her greatest gift. I love what she…

Housesitting as a solution Kelly Hayes-Raitt, 58, has been housesitting full time for the past 10 years, globetrotting during a sabbatical that never ended. Housesitting makes that possible for her. I first learned about this idea through Trusted Housesitters and was hooked! Of all the resources I have tapped into…

Gap year? Sabbatical? I think this is yet another opportunity wasted on young people who cannot possibly appreciate the decadence of time off from routines and responsibilities. Midlife is when a gap year has the greatest impact and the most valuable rewards. Elizabeth Martin and I talk about her decision…

Forget “older and wiser” Christie Minervini is feeling older and braver. Somebody get this 51-year-old empty-nester a cape! Why so brave? Because she knew that she could survive defeat. She’d be just fine, thank you very much. THAT, my friends, is confidence. Christie shares her story of deciding to spend…

Sexuality after 50 Considering all of the sex in our media, our music, and advertising, it remains a relatively taboo topic for discussion among friends. If those friends are women over 45, the conversation is even less likely to happen. Our sexuality changes as we age. Peri- through post-menopause brings…

Behind The Scenes with Mary Rogers Come behind the scenes with Mary’s inbox of listener letters, groovy new theme music, show news, and a word or two about life coaches. Buckle Up. Names and pertinent details within the Listener’s Letters have been altered to protect identities. Submit your feedback or…

As we attempt to take control of the myriad aspects of our lives, our work is central to everything. In this episode, we take a look at how you could gain more time and freedom by changing how, when and where you do what you do. If nothing else, Millennials…

We toss apologies like dirty tissues. Sorry for this, I apologize for that. Some of us apologies too damn much. But when it comes down to a real suck-it-up “I’m soooooo sorry” moment, where a relationship hangs in the balance, we usually fail at our apology. We deliver our apology…

In 1996, I had a psychic reading with a clairvoyant. Her name is Camille Procassinni, The Psychic Next Door. My friend Nancy, who I really admired, had been telling me for years that as she navigated the complexities of her relationships, career, and life that rather than see a therapist,…

Is 50 too late for a professional pivot? Maybe you are looking for a professional pivot. Have you lost interest in your job? In your career? Your industry? Are you just showing up at work hoping to get through another day? I hear from so many of my listeners that…

Caregiving, (sigh). As our parents age, we find ourselves doing more and more to help them out. As time passes, their needs increase. What started as stopping by to help with household chores can change on a dime to managing medications, doctor’s appointments, maybe even spoon-feeding them and very intimate…

Who is your Gatekeeper? Getting “unstuck” in midlife can seem impossible. Dreama Tolle Perry knew that owning and managing an Italian restaurant with her husband was not where she wanted to be at 50. She used to have a dream for her future, but a lack of confidence and the…

Preventing Suicide by asking the question In this episode of the podcast, I ask you to join an army of individuals willing to ask the question: “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”. New studies address our fear of planting the seed of that option in the mind of a troubled…

Midlife transformation isn’t usually so obvious Most of us at 50 make changes in our priorities, our values, maybe a new midlife career or a downsized home. My guest, outdoor writer, photographer, and pro fishing guide, Dave Rose says that he is a completely new person at 51, the person…

Experience 50’s Special 4th Anniversary Episode First, thank you to the members of the Experience 50 Midlife Community private Facebook group for submitting the questions that drive this episode. “Cleopatra’s vagina” is actually the answer to one of the submitted question. The question came from a listener and early podcast…

In this episode I get comfy with humorist & author Kim Dalfrese and voice artist Amanda Newcomb the narrator of Kim’s recently released audiobook version of I Was in Love With a Short Man Once: And other tales of a Crazy Southern Irish Girl. (Hey, you can listen to the…

What can you expect? This episode is an odd assortment of big ideas on small index cards. They drive the conversation in this solo episode. I explain what happened to the interview that was scheduled for this week and WHY you are not hearing it today. Instead, you are treated…

Caregivers need a creative outlet Margaret Byrd, 50, lost her mother to Alzheimer’s disease just eight weeks ago, but as many caregivers of parents suffering from dementia, she says the grieving truly began four years prior, when they received the initial diagnosis. At 46, she was a working single mom…

Midlife transformations are never easy, always worthwhile, but never easy. My guest, Maria Leonard Olsen completely transformed her life, beginning at the age of 49. From the outside, she had it all. She says that she “was F***ing Martha Stewart”, living the Yacht Club lifestyle while raising her two kids…

Sometimes, it is the parents rather than the grown kids who fail to launch. Yes, really. In this episode, I share an opinion column I wrote on this topic which received a huge outpouring of “Yes!’ I’d love to hear your thoughts as well. Parents, get a life! By Mary…

Transformational travel? There’s no better way to find yourself than to physically leave everything behind you. That is what travel does. I can’t think of a more accelerated path to midlife transformation than heading on a journey to unfamiliar territory. When my guest, Wendy Guth, lost her event and meeting…

For my guest’s sake, I wish I could tell you that this episode of the podcast is all about Shann Vander Leek. But I would be lying. Sooo, yeah, it’s true that I didn’t produce an episode last week and I begin this episode bringing you up to speed on…

A lifetime is marked by the celebration of milestones: A sweet sixteen party, a bar mitzvah, Quinceañera, high school graduation, college graduation, marriages, retirement, and finally, a funeral. Doesn’t it seem that there should be a milestone event for 50-year-olds? A half-time party maybe? A Golden birthday party? In the…

Where, oh where, did you go? Midlife burnout? Do you miss being you? Remember when you had all the energy in the world, your mind was sharp, you could keep all the plates in the air? Do you remember being gloriously horny? Yeah, well… let’s get back to THAT! I…

In this episode, I speak with Diane Dewey, the author of a new book, released this week Fixing the Fates: An Adoptee’s Story of Truth and Lies, a book that grabbed me and stayed with me well after I finished it. Her book presents itself as a memoir. It is…

This is not an episode telling you to quit drinking. This is the story of a woman in her 50s who decided she needed to quit drinking. We discuss her reasons, her fears, her history, how she went about it and how it has turned out one year later. I…

It is ALL about your gut! Today we are talking guts, glands, poo, auto-immune disorders, food sensitivities & allergies, and… oh, so much more! I’m so excited for you to learn all that Julie has to share. This is good stuff! Maybe you have heard that “everything ends up in…

My guest, Kirsten Bunch, 49, began her midlife career pivot weary from nearly constant travel to far away lands. She craved the routine of “trash day is Tuesday”. She had spent her career working for international non-profit organizations creating true impact in the small villages of developing countries. When…

What price do we pay for the sweet taste of sugar? What would you be willing to give up in order to say goodbye to aches and pains, headaches, fatigue, gut issues, disrupted sleep, and excess weight? Would you eliminate sugar? Maybe reduce your sugar? Maybe??? Did you just start…

This episode feels like two interviews rolled into one. Woody Allen’s Manhattan celebrates 40th anniversary Hannah Brown, 56, joins me from her home office in Isreal to discuss the 40th anniversary of Woody Allen’s 1979 movie Manhattan which is most remembered for the sexual relationship between the older Allen and…

Difficult Mother – Daughter relationships over 50 Let’s get emotionally prepared for Mother’s Day, how fun! Okay, maybe not. Some of us have beautiful and healthy relationships with our mother. I don’t know those people. My guest today is an author/expert on Mother-Daughter relationships as we find ourselves in our…

Okay, I love Jennifer Louden. There, I said it. I learned a lot during our conversation and I am just giddy to share it with you. Jen is one of those rare people who is comfortable enough with herself that she simply shares her thoughts without first deciding just how…

This week’s episode is in response to the listener email below: Mary, I love your podcast and after telling some friends about it we now all listen and get together once a month to talk about this midlife stuff. We all agree that we wish we could come to Traverse…

A Pharmaceutical Consultant turns Novelist Maureen Joyce Connolly is drawn to both science and language arts, she always has been. After getting her degree in physiology, she began her career with the pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer. Meanwhile, she was writing poetry and earning her Master’s Degree in liberal studies. As far back…

Midlife epiphanies at the grocery store Hey, these moments can strike you anywhere and at anytime. Really. I hear these stories of awakening from clients and podcast listeners in unique versions, unique epiphanies, but there does seem to be a theme in the setting. We discover ourselves while shopping. Shopping….

What a pleasure to introduce you to Kate Kaufmann, 67, author of Do You Have Kids? Life When The Answer Is No. In this episode, Kate and I only briefly discuss her circumstances which led to being childless, although she and her husband had wanted to have children. What we…

Passing a tennis ball from one hand to the other is just one technique proven to calm an anxious mind. Really? This and other science-backed techniques are the gifts of Stephanie Dalfonzo’s new book, Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom: How To Build Resilience and Overcome Anxiety. Stephanie Dalfonzo had experienced “buzzing”…

At 45, Nicki Steinberger was completely focused on the work of her doctoral dissertation in clinical psychology. Those around her knew she was sick, but Nicki ignored their concerns and her own symptoms of not feeling well, shaking, frequent urinating, and overwhelming fatigue; all signs of type 2 diabetes. When…

Today’s podcast episode is all about midlife pivots. Bottom line, my message is one of encouragement to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Easier said than done, I know. Listen, and get uncomfortably comfortable. Trust me, it will all make sense.

Going Solo as a Freelance Consultant Mark VanderKlipp shares his Experience 50 reality of pivoting to become a one-man independent consultant from the security of the President’s chair in an established design consulting firm. Wait, doesn’t everyone want to be President? No, not all. Leading an organization may seem like…

Get over yourself and just start dating Dating after 50? This is fun. Not midlife dating. That is awful. Talking with Debi was fun. I totally enjoyed getting to know her as we prepared for this interview on midlife dating. Debi Helm fully admits to being a clumsy dater when…

What’s Next? Encore Careers with Mark Ross Meet Mark Ross, 62, who is thoroughly enjoying a life that he has created with intention. After 30 years of serving the City of Houston, he felt that he would only find fulfillment if he took he act in a new direction. He wasn’t…

Take an early retirement to Mexico and live on a monthly budget of $1,100? Ever feel like selling everything and moving out of the country? Spend your days doing yoga on the beach, living like royalty in a Central American country? It sounds great, living where your dollar goes so much further….

Want to improve your life? The only time I made a New Year’s Resolution it nearly killed me. I explain in the episode. Rather, I now embark on a Mission each year. To receive the full Mission Menu, sign up HERE.

I feel like I fail my listeners when it comes to fitness. It isn’t my thing. I care about it and I take good care of myself, I just don’t like talking about it. My guest has changed that. I like him and I really do enjoy his podcast. I was…

Aging beyond midlife Heads up! Susan Stewart, Ph.D. gives us a sneak peek into our future state of mind as we discuss her new book Winter’s Graces: The Surprising Gifts of Later Life. Nature and neuroscience come together in our 70s, 80s, and 90s bearing gifts for creating a state…

Finding new friends was much easier as an 8 year-old on the playground. After 50, it feels a bit more desperate. My guest today is Pam Lamp. Three years ago she moved to Nashville, TN from Houston, TX where she left behind a strong network of friends built over twenty…

Changes in midlife? Some of us hit our 50s, look back and think, “Oh geez, I need to start doing things differently”. We actually think we are in charge. Ha! Taking charge of our lives Yes, we can make changes. We embark on new journeys in new directions thinking we have…

Midlife creates some interesting holiday twists Do you remember this Folgers holiday TV commercial: It is late at night, probably Christmas Eve, in a beautiful home awash in a warm glow of love and holiday tradition. “Peter” arrives home from college and all is well in this 1986 version of…

You know the pressure is on during the holidays. Midlife champion Kim Acedo, founder of Transformation Wellness for Women joins me to chat about how to take care of ourselves- not just with pushups and fad diets. She encourages us to slow down and savor these special holiday moments. You…

A midlife gender pivot My guest is a transsexual in her mid-50s. She is an architect and principal of her own firm with two sons from a marriage that ended in divorce during her transition. You think YOU are going through a transition? Midlife changes come in different sizes, scopes, and packaging. Caroline…

Addicted to Facebook? Candy Crush? YouTube? You aren’t alone. It is so easy to overdo it with these friends who do nothing more than give you uncomplicated and non-demanding satisfaction. I wanted to have this discussion because it seems to be one of the leading factors contributing to social isolation….

Grief just takes time Funny what happens when you are not paying attention. Our hearts and minds take care of themselves. Grief is that way. One day you are begging the universe to make it stop hurting so much. And it may not be the next day or month, but…

Finding love over 50, not just dating I’m not much for programs, but I think Dr. Kirschners’ Love in 90 Days is worth considering if you have made finding a life partner a priority. Not just, “Gosh, I hope I meet somebody, someday”. If you are serious about making it…

A Midlife Conversation Meet Susan Mazonson, my awesome friend whom I’ve never actually met in person. As a result of her Listener Letter, I came to know this ball of energy, this spitfire intellect of midlife craziness who joins me in this episode. We had no set topic, nothing to…

Ready to pivot? I hear from you, my listeners, that sometimes you feel as though you just don’t know WHAT to do. Today we hang out with intuition expert Lynn Robinson. How perfect! Lynn Robinson is the author of seven books including her most recent work: Put Your Intuition To…

Wow! Welcome to all the new listeners and supporters of the show. Let me get you on track! 50? What is Experience 50? Good question. What is adolescence? I think it is exactly the same type of experience. The issues are different, for the most part, but the two share…

The vast majority of inheritances are received in midlife. As a group, we midlifers are said to be set to receive the largest transfer of wealth ever. So what are we going to do with it? Of course, the biggest factor in your spending of an inheritance is your financial…

Okay, not lazy. Busy living might better explain why I pulled back on producing as many episodes each month as I had been doing. Let’s not get into numbers. Late last year, I decided this podcast would be a hobby, not a full-time endeavor resembling a career without the money….

Strong Woman | Sled Dog Racer Mary Black and I have a couple of things in common- our first name and we are both women in our 50s. Other than that, not much. But I admire the hell out of her. She is physically strong and enjoys using her body…

Meet my guest, Lisa Betts-LaCroix, host of the Super Power U Podcast, as she helps us identify our inner super powers. Each of us has one, at least one, but sometimes we fail to recognize our own gifts. Lisa shares her midlife story of entering the arena of competitive ballroom dance,…

Today’s episode shares three life lessons: Learning to pay attention to coincidences Appreciating how music connects us to moments of our lives Realizing that the depth of your sorrows is matched by the height of your joys The sentiment comes from an essay I wrote shortly after interviewing Karen Black…

Karen Smith shares her powerful story of midlife transformation which includes taking over the guardianship of her sister Eileen after their parents’ death. Eileen lived her life at home with her parent’s until the age of 25. Her permanent functional age is that of a 2 or 3-year-old. When Eileen…

Meet Gretchen Harfst, 54, recipient of a heart transplant one year ago. She now celebrates two birthdays: the day she born and the day she received her new heart. Listen to her story of transition and the grace with which she accepted this gift of a second chance, a new…

Midlife Women, just getting started! Author Juju Hook is on a mission to change the lives of a million women. So, let’s start with you. And me. I am completely onboard. Juju is 50, she gets it. After a long and very successful career spent working with global companies on…

What are you thankful for, really? When my daughter Lucy was 4 years old, my husband Carl, and I took her to a school-sponsored community event for families with small children. The theme was Thanksgiving and we would be singing songs and doing an art project. We arrived a bit…

Taking back control of your holiday The season of overindulgence is upon us. It is sooo easy to get sucked into the madness of frenzied shopping, family drama, delicious but naughty treats, a wee bit too much wine, and who can even think about going to the gym? On your mark, get set,…

Finding the right Alzheimer’s Cocktail How many time’s have you thought “OMG, I’m getting Alzheimer’s!”, when you lose your car keys, forget a password or can’t recall somebody’s name? In this episode, we get to do some myth busting on preventing diminished cognition or Alzheimer’s Disease with Kate Pierce, LMSW,…

Let’s talk libido. I promise this episode is not what you expect. My guest is on a personal mission to open communication with women about their sexual energy. Have you become disinterested? Or perhaps looking to expand your sexual experience. My guest lived with a depressed libido for most of her…

This episode is truly precious to me. My guest, Marie Pierre Stein, 54, is a listener of the podcast. In fact, she binged on the entire library of over 100 episodes over several weeks and then reached out to me, sharing her story in an email, that in turn changed…

Divorce Your Divorce In the last of three podcast episodes on navigating midlife divorce with my guest, Anthony J. Diaz, The Peacemaker, we discuss making your way through the aftermath. If you sought the divorce or not, you now have to adapt to massive life changes. Once the legal process is over, yet…

Midlife Divorce Is there such a thing as a peaceful divorce. Yes! Well, maybe? Newer approaches, such as the Collaborative Divorce Model, protect the interests of both parties while respecting the intensity of this emotional event. In this episode, we explore that model and others. Anthony Diaz is trained in…

Gray divorce is on the rise The midlife decision of divorce is a growing concern for many. Our guest helps us to navigate that decision in this first of three episodes. What I love about Anthony is that he brings together his knowledge as a family law attorney, training as…

Is Multigenerational Living the answer to Senior Living? Lisa Cini is an established expert in the specific field of senior living design, having worked on broad projects enhancing how groups of people of all ages live best when living together. Her work with the U.S. military is just one example…

Grandparenting, especially when done long distance, can be tricky. But our guest, Caryn Payzant, 57, known as The Midlife Guru of blogging has real world experience, level-headed advice, and big-picture wisdom. Caryn embraces all of the technology that the 21st century provides including Google Hangouts, Facetime, Skype and of course…

Living Abroad: An American in Seville World traveler, blogger and author Karen McCann is back with her insights as an American expat living in Seville, Spain and loving it! While living in Ohio, she and her husband Rich visited Seville and after many return trips, they now live there the…

I heard this legend told by a woman who was speaking about her struggle with depression. I believe there is a strong lesson here for all of us. It is especially helpful when we begin to experience losses and the temptation to cave into sorrow can be overwhelming. An old…

Midlife travel should serve a greater purpose After 50, a beach vacation may have become your routine getaway, but it is just that – routine. You want experiences that will inspire you to live a bigger more meaningful life. One word: travel. Not for the sake of relaxation but expansion!…

Weight Loss Surgery What a pleasure to introduce you to Reeger Cortell, FNP, 51. Our conversation covers the most popular procedures, but more importantly, we discuss the bigger issues surrounding obesity. About Reeger Cortell, FNP Reeger Cortell is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the creator/host of the Weight Loss…

Meet Teri Speight, who is rocking life at 58. I adore Teri! Her plan of being married forever, fell apart when her husband had a different idea as their youngest was in high school. After spending a month crying in bed, her close friend told her “you’ve got to get…

Happier Days? Sign me up! Nichole Christina brings scientific research and smart sense of humor to her work in teaching others how to start an intentional practice that results in happier days. I know that you may think you know all five already. Well, get ready to enjoy her fresh…

Okay, what just sucks for you right now? Declare your independence from it. Like a warrior soldier. Unchain me now! Identify the source and declare Game On! I like to keep things pretty clean here, so I urge you to use your imagination. Go screw yourself, skinny jeans in the…

What happened? Where did Mary go? Hey, life gets weird sometimes and mine is no different. Here I share my winding road, (literally recorded on the road, in my car) what I learned and how you should expect and respond to some twists and turns in your own midlife experience….

The Sixties: Drugs, Sex and Rock n’ Roll were the background of author Rifka Kreiter’s coming of age. After a defining spiritual experience on an acid trip, Rifka set off on a quest to recapture her personal discovery. After surviving a fraught childhood in New York and L.A., Rifka Kreiter revels…

Our generation, of both men and women, were the initial troops to come of age under the legislation and culture of the “liberated woman”. Our mothers and grandmothers, the activists who fought for equality in the workplace and in society, raised us to go forth and live in a world where…

I absolutely LOVE getting emails from my podcast listeners. Here I share some of the feedback I get. The last one is the best… Thank you for listening to my show. If you felt as though this episode was speaking to YOU, please join my Experience 50 Community. Here’s…

The 3 Massive Mistakes Women in Their 50s Make That Keep Them Overweight, Overworked, and Overwhelmed Kim Acedo, 35, loves helping women in their 50s. After spending 15 years as a personal trainer, she recognized that these women were fighting a battle beyond fitness. They were overweight, overworked and overwhelmed. Kim…

Reinvention. Meet Judy Freedman, the woman behind the award-winning blog, A Baby Boomer Woman’s Life After 50. Blogging as Judi Boomergirl, she has documented the events and experiences of her life over the last decade spanning her 49th to 59th birthdays. Along the way, Judy became a widow, launched two…

Worry not, this IS a fun episode with lots of laughs. Yes, we are talking about death and cremations and vessels, but we still have a good time. My guest: Marcy Lindberg, co-owner of Stardust Memorials, an online store selling cremation urns and every imaginable accessory. Our conversation includes: The…

For parents looking forward to an empty nest, this conversation with Robyn Marcotte, 50, shares many tips, advice and her perspective on how to successfully prepare your kids for their transition to becoming independent and capable adults. Robyn is a working mother of two kids in college, wife and an entrepreneur….

People ask me how I got into podcasting and broadcast radio. Total fluke. Today, I’m sharing the ghastly story of being offered my own daily morning talk radio show on 106.7 WSRT. I had zero experience, and didn’t even listen to radio other than NPR. This was NOT NPR. I…

My mother claimed to have ESP. Maybe she did, because some very inexplicable coincidences occurred surrounding her illness and ultimate moment of death. Regardless of your faith, or lack thereof, these types of unusual stories seem very…usual. Hi! Thank you for listening to my show. If you felt as though this…

Exercise. Working out. Weight training. “I’m going to start. Really. This time I mean it!” You too? Yeah. No, this time, I will. Talking with Joe Weaver, owner of Fit 50+, got me revved up and I’m eager to try his breathing method that he and his clients swear by: ocean…

Midlife is a time for self-correcting your course. Diann Wingert, Master Transitions Coach, joins me to help you to uncover how you might be “buffering” to keep yourself from addressing the changes you really DO want to make at midlife. Buffering? Honestly, this was a new term to me. If you find yourself putting off…

PART TWO Imagine being dropped from a two story window by your own mother. I knew within the first few pages of MISSING: A True Story of A Childhood Lost by Marnie Grundman, 50, that I wanted her story featured on the podcast. How does a woman grow into a…

Imagine being dropped from a two story window by your own mother. I knew within the first few pages of MISSING: A True Story of A Childhood Lost by Marnie Grundman, 50, that I wanted her story featured on the podcast. How does a woman grow into a successful entrepreneur,…

Write Your Book with Peter Bowerman, The Well-Fed Writer Is writing a book on your bucket list? Are you looking for a bit of income from sharing your personal or professional knowledge. At this age you have an enviable asset: your experience. You can turn that experience and wisdom into…

Empty Nest? Whose Couch Is It Anyway? Moving Your Millennial Empty nest? No? Are family tensions running high in your not so empty nest? You are not alone. Mary speaks with the authors of Whose Couch Is It Anyway? Moving Your Millennial, Dr. Phyllis Goldberg and Dr. Rosemary Lichtman on…

Making Midlife Easier: Five Powerful Phrases To Lean On Midlife can be tough. So, let’s make it easier. I consistently hear from my Experience 50 Podcast listeners that they never expected this stage of life to be so exciting or so challenging. Some don’t even recognize their feelings, can’t even…

Has your career stalled? Meet David Shriner-Cahn, host of the Smashing The Plateau Podcast. David and Mary discuss midlifers common complaint of getting lost in the leadership stampede and needing a plan, or a Plan B, or a Plan C to move ahead. How to get noticed again Using social…

Just when you were feeling all proud of your “I Voted” sticker, I’m going to ask you to consider being a patriotic good citizen All Year Long. Yep. I really think our country is in trouble. Fewer ordinary Americans are involving themselves in the democratic process and who can really…

“Yes, I said it. Don’t get me wrong. It has been a very effective campaign, raising awareness of breast cancer and leading to earlier detection through self-examinations and mammograms. Yay, pink ribbons! I am speaking for many of us who have found the lump or were called back after a…

Suicide creates many vicitims. Midlife suicide among white, American men is trending at an increasingly frightening rate. Men, as a group, represent 8 of every 10 “successful” suicides. This episode includes: the story of a suicide note posted to Facebook the reading of a blog post 10 Things You Should Know Before You Kill…

Lauren Rader is a lifelong artist and art educator. She has introduced generations of children to the wonders of art. In 2005, she opened her art studio to adult students, offering classes for women called Releasing the Creative Powers Within. The women’s personal and collective journeys into creativity became the inspiration…

Because of her addiction, Claire Westwood had lost it all. On the night that she found herself in a jail cell, as a result of drunken driving, she also found the strength to turn her life around. “This is not who I am”, she said to herself. Although under less…

This episode covers much more than money. Sure, you need to have a financial plan for saving enough money. But are you picturing the lifestyle that comes with retirement? Mary and Debbie Craig, Certified Financial Planner and author of Piece By Piece, A Commonsense Guide To A Secure Retirement chat…

Just as we are reinventing ourselves in our careers, spirit and fitness, why not in the bedroom? The kids are gone and empty nesters are reclaiming their sex lives. Woo Hoo! As we move into our 50’s our sex lives change, just like every other aspect of our lives. It…

Jeanne Andrus walked into a therapist’s office married and came out with her husband’s declaration that it was over. What happens next? Author Jeanne Andrus shares her story with listeners. Join the Experience 50 Midlife Community eMail list HERE View Jeanne’s books HERE

So, what do you want to be when you grow up? Do you feel like a prisoner at work? Is your job sucking the life right out of you? Maybe you’ve been downsized out or your profession has been automated. Too many midlifers think they just need to suffer through…

There are few things so humiliating as falling down while walking after the age of 8. At 53, the pain is more than physical. Yep, I fell down, twisted my ankle between two bad sections of sidewalk and ended up drawing a crowd and being whisked off to the emergency room….

Is it hanky time or happy hour when your kid leaves for college. Probably a bit of both. Probably a bit of both. You will be fine, they will be fine. Just be ready for the rollercoaster ride that both you and your kid are about to jump on….

I’d rather not think of this as a rant, but some time taken to look at what the hell went wrong. I’m happy to be responsible for my own happiness, thank you very much. I’m never going to tell somebody else how to be happy, because how would I possibly…

Eileen Williams, of Feisty Side of Fifty, joins Mary to discuss the surprises of life in menopause. Men and women will enjoy hearing about the Upside. Eileen shares the Five Happy Surprises of Menopause and The Three Keys to Making The Most Of The CHANGE. Eileen Williams is an author, blogger,…

Making a career shift at midlife? Are you considering freelancing or going full time as a consultant? Mary Rogers brings you Joe Sanock to discuss one of his tools for fighting paralysis by perfection as you get going. Visit experience50.com/consultant to buy Joe’s mini course reduced from $39 to $19 for…

“Everyday since I left my job has been awesome. Just awesome”, says Mark Vanderklipp, 51. He joins me on Experience 50 to discuss his midlife pivot, giving inspiration and advice to others feeling the urge to pivot in their profession or personal life. Did he suffer a midlife crisis? Hell no!…

Sympathy cards, a must in your midlife toolkit Sympathy cards are a must have in your Midlife Toolkit. Unfortunately, at our age, death becomes a frequent guest at our table. Our friends, co-workers, business associates, neighbors, etc… are in the same boat. It seems that a week does not go by…

Men don’t get an easy ride through their 50s. Steve Och’s book, MIDMEN: The Modern Man’s Guide To Surviving Midlife Crisis should be placed on the nightstand of every guy’s bed, or couch, depending on how that midlife experience is going for him. This episode contains new content, but is primarily…

Meet Daniel B. Morgan, funny guy and author of The Last Stage Manager Standing. We can all agree that, from the comfort of our couches, American television has changed over the years. But that is only our view. In this episode, you will take a magical mystery tour behind the…

Truth or Dare? Which challenge puts more fear in your heart? Jumping out of an airplane or getting real about your unfulfilled dreams and shortcomings. Gasp! I believe that midlifers who choose to really push the gas pedal are doing at least one or the other; playing truth or dare….

Are you gearing up for a “big conversation”. Have you already imagined how it is going to go? You’ve written the script for all parties? This is the problem with big conversations that begin with “We Need To Talk”. Must we really? Well, they don’t need to be “big” but they…

If you love your family, please document your end of life wishes for your own passing. The shock and grief when a loved one dies is overwhelming. To have to try to recall or imagine what your family member’s final wishes would have been is nearly impossible. Your judgement is poor,…

I have a hard enough time dealing with my teenager during a pizza oven hot flash. I cannot imagine combining the mind-body experience of being 52 with a toddler’s temper tantrum. I know, I know, older parents will be wiser and more patient, true. But don’t they become exhausted? Please…

Oh mother! We continue our pre-Mother’s Day chat about the conflict between mothers and their adult daughters. One adult daughter, one mother, how tough could it be to get along? Haha! Karen Anderson, author of The Peaceful Daughter’s Guide to Separating From a Difficult Mother dishes with Mary about the…

Oh mother! A pre-Mother’s Day chat about the conflict between mothers and their adult daughters. One adult daughter, one mother, how tough could it be to get along? Haha! Karen Anderson, author of The Peaceful Daughter’s Guide to Separating From a Difficult Mother dishes with Mary about the age old…

The first of FIVE episodes leading you up to Mother’s Day! This episode shares the dark history of the woman behind Mother’s Day in the USA. Established by US President Woodrow Wilson at the insistent urging of Ann Jarvis, Mother’s Day had it’s roots in a pre-civil war era female activist organization…

In this solo episode, Mary Rogers discusses how we undermine our own happiness with bad habits of sabotage and how to kick the habit. Three Sure Fire Ways To Sabotage Your Midlife #1 Ignore the Whispers Pay attention to your gut, neck and shoulders Pay attention to signs and signals #2…

Justin Micheal, President of Eulogy.com joins Mary to share tips on writing and delivering a eulogy. His staff of compassionate professional speech writers offer an extra pair of skilled hands in writing your stories and creating a complete eulogy. Getting professional assistance with a eulogy The process begins with a…

Why should you give your loved one’s eulogy? Because, if you don’t, and it gets mishandled or screwed up, you will never forgive yourself! This episode has a single message. You only get ONE chance to give the eulogy at a loved one’s funeral service. Deb Callison, 55, shares her story of…

Welcome to the Experience 50 Podcast! In her mid-50s, Mary Sue Wilkinson left her paycheck and found her entrepreneurial spirit. A lifelong musician who described her dream job as getting paid to sing to children and old people, she found her answer. After leaving the profession of education, she enlisted…

REALTOR Lisa Rossi advises listeners on which home improvements will return on the investment and what to leave as is. A common experience in our 50s is preparing your house for sale. At 50+, your home is likely to be one of your largest investments and it is essential to maximize your…

In Part 2 of Mary’s conversation on job search over 50 with Peggy McKee, CEO of Career Confidential, you will learn how to get your resume in front of hiring managers, regardless of your age. Is your age making your job search difficult? If you are over 50, it may…

Are you battling age discrimination in your job search over 50? Probably true, before you’ve even had an interview. Meet Peggy McKee, CEO at Career Confidential and straight-talking career coach to Experience 50 listeners. Peggy shares the top 3 stereotypes that are keeping hiring managers from even looking at your…

Meet Micki Berg, PhD Our guest transformed at 50. Now 73, Micki Berg, PhD, author of I Don’t Want To Be Anybody But Me, looks back at her “rock bottom” and how she navigated her way to helping others with the midlife transition. At 50, Micki found herself saying, “I want…

Garbage Bag Suitcase: A Memoir author, Shenandoah Chefalo We all have small secrets. Shenandoah Chefalo had a big painful secret, that she only shared with her husband… after the wedding. Her new book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, tells the world her childhood story of being neglected and abused by a drug addicted mother…

Are you optimistic about your future? Brain science shows us that we get pretty much what we expect to get. So let’s think and write and talk about the great things to come in your story, before they even happen. The is the second part of our conversation with Jen…

Learn how the telling of your story impacts your brain. Remember all of those painful “learning experiences”? Well, how you file that story away, your perspective on the tale, really does wire your brain to believe your story. Jenifer Strauss, of Story Be Told, shares the scientific basis of why…

Empty Nest? Meet the Gypsy Nesters, David (56) and Veronica (52) James, who sold everything and hit the road in a motorhome. With their worldly possessions reduced to sixteen boxes that sit in a storage unit, the two empty nesters travel the USA and the world enjoying a newfound freedom from…

E46 Putting Pen to Paper with Dr. Stephanie Maj On a daily basis, Dr. Steph Maj sees the impact of stress and chaotic thoughts on the body and spirit. Even she falls victim to the gerbil wheel in her own head. Don’t we all! We each need to find our…

E045 A Midlife World Perspective with journalist turned podcaster Richard Davies How does this sound? Let’s ignore the divisive screaming and start solving our societal troubles. Imagine! Maybe we could even fix it! Our guest is Richard Davies and his midlife pivot has created his passion project: a podcast aptly…

Mary Rogers opens up her inbox to share Listener’s Letters. Apparently, she has hit some nerves, but that’s okay because we also have word of a marriage back on track and a brother and sister finding harmony in taking care of Mom. Aw, shucks. Send your letter to Mary@experience50.com

Do you have a will? Does it include directions for your medical care if you are unable to make or voice your wishes? If you have a will, including Advance Directives for medical care, when did you last review or update it? Let’s get this done… Learn the estate planning…

Are you still supporting your grown children? You are not alone! A new phase of life referred to as “emerging adulthood” on the rise in adults age18 – 34. 34! This episode covers the current stats, tips for preventing Boomerang Kids, how to deal with a kid who wants to…

Do you think 50 is too late to leave the steady job? Meet Joann Filomena, 62, who left a successful corporate career on a leap of faith to find happiness and fulfilment. Her story includes finding herself unexpectedly widowed and in a financial tailspin. Her story of becoming a widow,…

Feb. 11, 2016… At midlife strong is better than skinny. Forget the magic pills and programs, you need to get your body in shape just to get you through the next 40 years. Stephanie Keenan is a former US Navy Nuclear Engineer turned fitness expert who talks with Mary about how…

Let’s Rethink This Diann Wingert, licensed therapist and certified coach, joins Mary to discuss midlife divorce. There is a wonderful sense of urgency in midlife to find your personal happiness. Unfortunately, many midlifers believe that if they unload the spouse, happiness will be theirs. As Diann advises in this episode, before you…

Diann Wingert, licensed therapist and coach, joins Mary to chat about the staggering statistics of midlife divorce. Why Now? Many of these divorce decisions were made YEARS in the past with the plan to divorce after a milestone event such as: the kids launching, an expected inheritance coming in, turning…

February 1, 2016 A few weeks back, I received this email from Tony Anderson, a 53-year-old marathon runner. Mary, I am 53, soon to be 54 in a couple months. I have run 34 marathons in 34 states while raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Michigan. I…

Gray Divorce is on the Rise Midlife marriage is in danger. Divorce over the age of 50 (also called “gray” divorce) is becoming more common, and more acceptable. In 2014, people age 50 and above were twice as likely to go through a divorce than in 1990, according to the…

We each have our own idea of how much stuff is too much stuff. You know when it is out of control. My husband and I are on a three year plan to downsize. As soon as our youngest is out of highschool, we plan to either sell or start renting…

Downsizing, how to let go of your stuff Downsizing. Just the word makes a pack rat feel unsettled. Meet Experience 50 Podcast listener Karyn Hertel, 44, who successfully downsized her family’s home by 30% and their “stuff” by 40%. Karyn and her husband Bob had been hearing more about downsizing,…

Decluttering Midlife lightens your burden Artist Joy Bender Hadley shares her story of a midlife transition, fueled by decluttering and getting organized. Unhappy in her career, Joy left her job, and while deciding what to do next, she devoted her time to organizing her studio which had become unmanageably disorganized and…

Live Longer with Friends Did you know that NOT having an active healthy social life is as much of a health risk as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and even more deadly than physical inactivity and obesity? In this episode, Mary shares the research findings of POLS’s Social Relationships and…

Monday, January 4, 2016 Happy National Trivia Day! Take the 1970s trivia quiz on the Experience 50 Blog. Today’s Quote is from Friedrich Nietzsche: “To forget one’s purpose is the commonest form of stupidity” Ouch. For help in finding your purpose for your life, this year, this month or maybe…

Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, Weight Gain, Foggy Brain and lots more fun! Hit the PLAY button in the podcast player above and enjoy. Check out this very different episode of The Experience 50 Podcast. Mary is sharing some of her favorite funnies from the vast corners of the internet. All materials…

Therese Marie joins Mary to tell her midlife story of discovery and recovery. An adult child of an alcoholic, Therese found herself at a support group for those with an addicted loved one, after learning that her husband was binging on cocaine. The big surprise came when she realised that SHE…

Friends are the family we choose! Be sure you have the five types of friends that will help you through midlife without a crisis! Mary takes you through why friends are so important during the changes you experience in midlife, the five types, how to be a better friend and…

E027 Family Dynamics and Aging Parents Each member of a family reacts and responds differently to the growing responsibilities that come with aging parents. Some may be natural caregivers, problem solvers, or delegators. Only children and siblings will find many family dynamics at play when the power shift begins between the…

E026 Caring For Aging Parents If you worry about your aging parents and their safety, happiness and ability to live independently, listen to this episode of The Experience 50 Podcast, then have your siblings listen as well. It will be a wonderful primer on the options available to families who…

E025 Old Words with Mary Rogers Mary has some fun with words and phrases that make us sound old. Not that it is a bad thing, some words bring back great memories, like “rap session” or “groovy”. Some phrases are antiquated and sound foolish, but others still work just fine…

E024 Misadventures of a 1970s Childhood with Tom Purcell If you were lucky enough to grow up in the 1970s, you may count yourself among those on the tail end of that 1950-era of big families, a stay at home mom, no addiction to electronic devices and family dinners EVERY…

Meditation for Midlifers Meditation is now widely recognized as a power tool for success, better physical health, stress management and happiness. You can skip the candle and incense, just find 10-15 minutes per day with your earbuds and enjoy the soothing voice that Chel Hamilton brings to her guided meditations…

E022 The Angry Midlife Woman with Diann Wingert, LCSW/Life Transition Coach Combustible recipe: Mix one part exhausted middle-aged woman with one part distracted Millennial store cashier. Stand back. What brings out the wrath of a midlife woman? Hormones, lack of sleep, a new voice that comes with the confidence of…

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT Steve Ochs, 56, author of MIDMEN The Modern Man’s Guide to Surviving Midlife Crisis, joins Mary Rogers for a second episode of a REAL conversation about midlife. In this episode we talk about the importance of tending to the most valuable asset and resource for…

E020 MIDMEN, Part 1 A Conversation of Midlife with Steve Ochs Hear a man’s perspective on how to survive a midlife crisis. Steve Ochs, author of MIDMEN: The Modern Man’s Guide to Surviving Midlife Crisis, joins Mary for a passionate conversation on his quest to help men understand why they feel…

E019 Deadly Diagnosis with Susan Wideman Schaible This is the story of a very happy midlife couple, who learned after a second opinion that a original misdiagnosis of a hematoma was actually very advanced, rare and deadly bone cancer. Susan, an estate and elder law attorney, shares their 18 month…

E018 It’s My Turn with Becky Cain Becky Cain successfully solo-parented and launched her four kids, watching each of them set out on their own adventures. At 50, she raised her hand and said “It’s my turn”. She moved 250 miles away from home, to a town where she didn’t…

E017 Holidays and Adult Kids with Diann Wingert Just like your kids believed in Santa, you may think your adult children will be at your holiday meals forever. Well, time for a reality check. Your grown kids have their own lives, new relationships and you may be facing an empty…

When Dr. Craig Brakeman, DVM sold his animal hospital back to the corporate franchise, he thought he was making a move to better his life. At 57, he wanted to be able to focus more on the animals and less on managing a large veterinary practice. But when corporate changes…

E014 Go Global- International Volunteer Travel If you are looking for an experience to clarify your perspective on life, you might consider volunteering in a foreign community with an international volunteer program. Mary interviews Debbie Asuncion, Executive Director of Utopia Volunteers, a program of the Utopia Foundation. Debbie shares the details…

E014 Community Theater Just May Be the Ticket! Looking for new friends and fun in midlife? Your local community theater may hold a whole new life for you. Mary talks with her sister, Clover Roy, who recently joined volunteer ranks at her community theater after being away from the stage…

E013 Stuff You Should Know At 50 There is stuff you should just know at 50. My wonderful listeners contributed their best tips, tricks and jewels of wisdom to this episode. We cover how to tie your shoes, get better results in the voting booth, how to make awesome eggs,…

Volunteering and Philanthropy This episode of Experience 50 will be extremely helpful to those of you who find at 50 that you want to start giving back to your community, the world, and the institutions that you hold near and dear to your heart. Our guest is my friend Steve…

E011 Transformation of the Pot Smoking Judge with Tom Gilbert Tom Gilbert would probably like to put his 15 minutes of fame as The Pot Smoking Judge behind him. But he is telling his story to anybody who will listen. He is on a mission to share his message: Recovery from…

E010 There’s Hope For Your Brain At a recent TEDX Talk, I listened to Dr. Drew Ramsey share new research that through diet and behavioral changes you can IMPROVE your brain function. The video of that presentation is HERE. This is in stark contrast to the old belief that once…

E009 How To Become A Consultant with Joe Sanock You may feel that after your 50th birthday you have a target on your back in the office. Younger, less expensive, workers are becoming more attractive to employers when cost-cutting measures are the order of the day. Take control of your…

E008 Cash in on Your Career at Midlife with Michael O’Neal Does the dread of going to the office on Monday kill your weekend spirit? If your job isn’t floating your boat, maybe self-employment is an option. Mary Rogers chats with one of her mentors, Michael O’Neal, The Solopreneur Hour, about the growing…

E007 The Mind of Menopause with Diann Wingert Both men and women will want to hear this midlife conversation. One of the top complaints from midlife women is that they think they’re losing their minds. If you are a woman, or love one, or work with one…. listen to this…

E006 Happily Ever After Mary Rogers, the host of The Experience 50 Podcast, finds the elusive North American Happily Married Midlife Couple. Can it be true? Jim, 60; and Ann, 53, share with you how they managed to beat the odds and find themselves still enjoying each other and their relationship….

E005 Midlife with Rob Newman, Mr. Hollywood Meet Rob Newman at midlife. The commercial producer has worked with Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Rihanna, just to name a few artists whose music videos he has produced. His first jobs included working as an extra on the movie Willy…

Episode 004: Suddenly Everything Changes with Liz- Death of a Spouse in Midlife Liz and Jeff were happily married, in their mid-50s, enjoying the beginning of their empty nest chapter. Solid careers, excellent health and many plans made for happy days in their beautiful Scottsdale home. In this episode, Liz…

E003 The Big Storm with Carol Vernam On August 2nd, a freak thunderstorm hit the northwest corner of lower Michigan bringing torrential rain, 4.5 inch hail and straight line winds up to 100 mph and green skies. Incredibly, no lives were lost in the storm that left communities without power…

E002 Crushing 50 with Mike Weitschat. Pow! Some guys just get it right. Our guest has built a career, nourished his marriage, raised a man (not a boy) and is filled with gratitude for the friends in his life. His priorities are working hard and having fun. He makes it…

Midlife Therapy with Diann Wingert, LCSW Diann Wingert is a licensed clinical social worker and board-certified diplomate in clinical social work. In 2010, she launched her private practice in Pasadena, California, specializing in working with women during their transition to midlife. In this episode, Mary and Diann discuss what midlifers…

Old dog, new tricks. That could actually be the alternative title for this podcast I’ve started. In fact, maybe I should scrap the whole brand and go with that. Too late. There I go again, second-guessing myself at the last minute, as I jump into a new venture. Don’t we…